This kit helps you make a small, portable 3D printer.
Tom’s Hardware Verdict
The LDO Positron V3.2 is the little red Corvette of the 3D printing world: fun to play with and show off, but not a practical everyday driver. It is, however, the perfect second machine for makers who want the challenge of building their own showy portable 3D printer.
TODAY’S BEST DEALS $674.99 at MatterHackers, Inc. US Check Amazon
Pros
- +
Cool view of upside down print through glass bed
- +
Planetary gear extruder
- +
Quiet operation
- +
Klipper configs and profiles included
- +
Printer comes with carrying case
Cons
- –
Bed leveling is inconsistent
- –
Small build area
- –
Pricey
Why you can trust Tom’s Hardware Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
The Positron is not your average 3D printer. It’s a flex, both from the designer who figured out how to fold a working printer into an empty filament box, and for those who decide to build one. Do you really need a tiny, portable, upside-down printer? No. Do you want one? Yes. Yes, you do.
I’ve been following the development of the Positron for years, and when I learned that LDO Motors was backing this project, I got excited. After all, LDO is well known for its high quality stepper motors and printer kits. We previously reviewed an LDO Voron 01 kit, and that printer is still in use today. The Positron is something different. It’s not exactly an everyday workhorse, but it’s easily a show-stopping travel printer.
Like a Voron, the Positron is for advanced makers. To build one, you need a 3D printer that can produce high-quality ABS or ASA parts. You also need to be more than a little handy with hex keys and have a basic understanding of electronics. Once it’s assembled, you’ll need to install Klipper, tune the printer, and set up sensorless homing, following directions online.
You may like
- Sovol Zero Review: Good Things Come in Small Packages
- Bambu Lab H2D Review: For Elite Crafters
- QIDI Plus4 Review: Bigger is Better
The LDO Positron 3.2 kit is $674 from Matterhackers. The complete printed parts kit is available for an additional $35.